An old house needs to have some testing done on the finishes that "make sense". Like lead testing for paint on trim work, pipes (they are pretty easy to spot), old plaster walls, ceilings etc. Asbestos testing for flooring, adhesive, insulation (both wall and attic), asbestos wrapped pipes, etc.

This needed to be done prior to demolition. It needed to be stipulated IN the contract and that the Builder would contract-out such a service at the expense of the homeowner (the homeowner would be told the expense of doing proper remediation and would agree to the terms).

The Builder would then find a remediation company to come in, do the testing and bring back the results - with a remediation plan/cost/contract stipulating what needs to be done. The Remediation company would then tent the space(s) that needed to be dealt with (yes...entire homes can be tented....it is expensive but well worth it to the workers and neighbors).

It appears that NO ONE made investigation/remediation part of this renovation. The best thing to do NOW is to STOP everything, call a meeting with the GC and look at what can be done from there. And you can mention your concern re: workers' health concerns.

You have concerns moving forward so it is time to look forward and ask the important questions. The GC *should have brought that forward, but the state regulations may not require them to be proactive.

I guess you could turn yourself in and get your job shut down by the EPA. I wouldn't..

https://www.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program

I really don't think it's that dire. I was actually trying to delete this thread because commenters on both sides of the opinion seemed given to hyperbole, but I can't do that.

Some of the work has already been certifiably carried out in a cloistered way. I did mention that in my post, but comments have pretty much been along the lines of, "You have done nothing and this is a disaster" and ,"You don't need to do anything."

Neither of these perspectives is edifying.

You need to educate yourself in RRP. The link I provided should help.

Renovation program overview

The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule establishes requirements for firms and individuals performing renovations, and affects contractors, property managers, and others who disturb painted surfaces. It applies to work in houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities (such as schools and day-care centers) built before 1978. It includes pre-renovation education requirements as well as training, firm certification, and work practice requirements.

My only suggestion is that I would check to make sure air ducts are covered. Or that dust will be part of your life long after and that’s what you’ll be breathing.

We have intake and exhaust that are part of the remodel, but no fau, as we are moving to a different type of heating. I believe our efforts need to be centered around dust testing on the inside of the house, cleanup, containment, and air quality for the workers during the continuing project.

Thanks all. I opted for testing but not stopping the project. We are negative for both asbestos and lead paint.